Protecting a sensitive device from corrosion

ABSTRACT

A method in one embodiment includes fabricating a tape having an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials. The method also includes applying the organic coating to the applicator portion of the tape, the organic coating being for coating a tape bearing surface of the magnetic head with the organic coating upon the applicator portion being run over the tape bearing surface of the magnetic head. The method further includes applying a lubricant to a data portion of the tape.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to data storage systems, and moreparticularly, this invention relates to magnetic heads for tape drives,and coatings to prevent corrosion thereon.

In magnetic storage systems, data is read from and written onto magneticrecording media utilizing magnetic transducers commonly. Data is writtenon the magnetic recording media by moving a magnetic recordingtransducer to a position over the media where the data is to be stored.The magnetic recording transducer then generates a magnetic field, whichencodes the data into the magnetic media. Data is read from the media bysimilarly positioning the magnetic read transducer and then sensing themagnetic field of the magnetic media. Read and write operations may beindependently synchronized with the movement of the media to ensure thatthe data can be read from and written to the desired location on themedia.

An important and continuing goal in the data storage industry is that ofincreasing the density of data stored on a medium. For tape storagesystems, that goal has lead to increasing the track density on recordingtape, and decreasing the thickness of the magnetic tape medium. However,the development of small footprint, higher performance tape drivesystems has created various problems in the design of a tape headassembly for use in such systems.

In a tape drive system, magnetic tape is moved over the surface of thetape head at high speed. This movement generally must skive off the airbetween the tape and the tape bearing surface (TBS) of the head in orderto achieve a low spacing between the head sensor and the magneticcoating on the tape. Usually the tape head is designed to minimize thespacing between the head and the tape. The spacing between the magnetichead and the magnetic tape is crucial to minimize signal amplitudedecrease from Wallace spacing losses, which increase with increasedmagnetic recording flux densities. Thus the TBS is in contact with thetape so that the read element is in near contact with the tape toprovide effective coupling of the magnetic field from the tape to theread element. The Wallace spacing is, among other factors, due toasperities on the tape and to erosion of the sensor due to wear. Buildup of non-magnetic material between the sensor and the tape magneticcoating can also cause Wallace spacing. Corrosion or oxidation initiatedat the TBS of the sensor or the protective poles surrounding the sensorcan also lead to Wallace spacing losses.

Further, the AMR, GMR, TMR, etc. sensors usable in tape heads all have apropensity for corrosion. Corrosion or oxidation of the sensor at theTBS can result in surface oxidation of the sensor metals which result inan increase in the spacing between the magnetically active portion ofthe sensor and the magnetic coating on the tape. High level corrosioncan completely destroy the magnetic response of the sensor. One proposedsolution is to recess the sensor and apply a hard protective overcoat,e.g., of alumina. However, such materials are in contact with the tape,and tend to wear away, thereby leaving the sensor unprotected. Themethods of depositing the hard protective coatings require largeexpensive tools which preclude the reapplication of a hard coating onceit has been worn off. Further, such recession results in Wallace spacingsignal losses, which are exacerbated the higher the density of therecorded data on the media.

For tape heads, sensors can be recessed and flux guided, but flux guideshave not worked well due to head processing difficulty and to spacingloss.

Alternatively, GMR heads may be fabricated using materials that haveimproved corrosion resistance, but these materials may not provideoptimal magnetic performance (amplitude in particular).

Head-media stiction is usually addressed by making the media rougher,but this may adversely affect the signal-to-noise ratio and thusdetection capability and ultimately areal density.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A method in one embodiment includes fabricating a tape having anapplicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic headfor reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials. Themethod also includes applying the organic coating to the applicatorportion of the tape, the organic coating being for coating a tapebearing surface of the magnetic head with the organic coating upon theapplicator portion being run over the tape bearing surface of themagnetic head. The method further includes applying a lubricant to adata portion of the tape.

Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction withthe drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a simplified tape drive systemaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a flat-lapped, bi-directional,two-module magnetic tape head according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a tape bearing surface view taken from Line 2A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2B is a detailed view taken from Circle 2B of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a detailed view of a partial tape bearing surface of a pairof modules.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a tape portion including an applicatorportion according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a tape portion including a cleaningportion according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of a tape portion including an applicatorportion and a cleaning portion according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a simplified side view drawing of a tape drive system with atape engaging the head.

FIG. 8B is a simplified side view drawing of a tape drive system with atape spaced from the head and an applicator engaging the head.

FIG. 9A is a chart of corrosive effects on an uncoated 16-channel headsubjected to a corrosive environment, plotting change in resistance (in%) versus time elapsed (in hours).

FIG. 9B is a chart of corrosive effects on a 16-channel head coated withsqualane subjected to a corrosive environment, plotting change inresistance (in %) versus time elapsed (in hours).

FIG. 9C is a chart of corrosive effects on a 16-channel head coated withsqualane subjected to a more corrosive environment, plotting change inresistance (in %) versus time elapsed (in hours).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the present invention and is not meant to limitthe inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular featuresdescribed herein can be used in combination with other describedfeatures in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be giventheir broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied fromthe specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in theart and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

The following description discloses several preferred embodiments oftape-based storage systems, as well as operation and/or component partsthereof.

In one general embodiment, a method for protecting a magnetic headcomprises applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducingexposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials, and storing themagnetic head.

In another general embodiment, a method for protecting a magnetic headof a magnetic storage system comprises applying an organic coating to amagnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promotingor corrosive materials, the organic coating being applied to themagnetic head after the head is installed in the magnetic storagesystem. The coating also reduces the exposure of the head to moisture(H₂O) which is an essential molecule to promote corrosion.

In another general embodiment, a method comprises fabricating a tapehaving an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to amagnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promotingor corrosive materials, applying the organic coating to the applicatorportion of the tape, and applying a lubricant to a data portion of thetape.

In yet another general embodiment, a method comprises fabricating a tapehaving a data portion and a cleaning portion for removing an organiccoating from a magnetic head.

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified tape drive 100 of a tape-based datastorage system, which may be employed in the context of the presentinvention. While one specific implementation of a tape drive is shown inFIG. 1, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein may beimplemented in the context of any type of tape drive system.

As shown, a tape supply cartridge 120 and a take-up reel 121 areprovided to support a tape 122. One or more of the reels may form partof a removable cassette and are not necessarily part of the system 100.The tape drive, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, may further includedrive motor(s) to drive the tape supply cartridge 120 and the take-upreel 121 to move the tape 122 over a tape head 126 of any type.

Guides 125 guide the tape 122 across the tape head 126. Such tape head126 is in turn coupled to a controller assembly 128 via a cable 130. Thecontroller 128 typically controls head functions such as servofollowing, writing, reading, etc. The cable 130 may include read/writecircuits to transmit data to the head 126 to be recorded on the tape 122and to receive data read by the head 126 from the tape 122. An actuator132 controls position of the head 126 relative to the tape 122.

An interface may also be provided for communication between the tapedrive and a host (integral or external) to send and receive the data andfor controlling the operation of the tape drive and communicating thestatus of the tape drive to the host, all as will be understood by thoseof skill in the art.

By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a flat-lapped,bi-directional, two-module magnetic tape head 200 which may beimplemented in the context of the present invention. As shown, the headincludes a pair of bases 202, each equipped with a module 204, and fixedat a small angle α with respect to each other. The bases are typically“U-beams” that are adhesively coupled together. Each module 204 includesa substrate 204A and a closure 204B with a gap 206 comprising readersand/or writers situated therebetween. In use, a tape 208 is moved overthe modules 204 along a media (tape) bearing surface 209 in the mannershown for reading and writing data on the tape 208 using the readers andwriters. The wrap angle θ of the tape 208 at edges going onto andexiting the flat media support surfaces 209 are usually between ⅛ degreeand 4½ degrees.

The substrates 204A are typically constructed of a wear resistantmaterial, such as a ceramic. The closures 204B made of the same orsimilar ceramic as the substrates 204A.

The readers and writers may be arranged in a piggyback configuration.The readers and writers may also be arranged in an interleavedconfiguration. Alternatively, each array of channels may be readers orwriters only. Any of these arrays may contain one or more servo readers.

FIG. 2A illustrates the tape bearing surface 209 of one of the modules204 taken from Line 2A of FIG. 2. A representative tape 208 is shown indashed lines. The module 204 is preferably long enough to be able tosupport the tape as the head steps between data bands.

In this example, the tape 208 includes 12-22 data bands, e.g., with 16data bands and 17 servo tracks 210, as shown in FIG. 2A on a one-halfinch wide tape 208. The data bands are defined between servo tracks 210.Each data band may include a number of data tracks, for example 96 datatracks (not shown). During read/write operations, the elements 206 arepositioned within one of the data bands. Outer readers, sometimes calledservo readers, read the servo tracks 210. The servo signals are in turnused to keep the elements 206 aligned with a particular track during theread/write operations.

FIG. 2B depicts a plurality of read and/or write elements 206 formed ina gap 218 on the module 204 in Circle 2B of FIG. 2A. As shown, the arrayof elements 206 includes, for example, 16 writers 214, 16 readers 216and two servo readers 212, though the number of elements may vary.Illustrative embodiments include 8, 16, 32, and 40 elements per array206. A preferred embodiment includes 16 readers per array and/or 16writers per array. This allows the tape to travel more slowly, therebyreducing speed-induced tracking and mechanical difficulties. While thereaders and writers may be arranged in a piggyback configuration asshown in FIG. 2B, the readers 216 and writers 214 may also be arrangedin an interleaved configuration. Alternatively, each array of elements206 may be readers or writers only, and the arrays may contain one ormore servo readers 212. As noted by considering FIGS. 2 and 2A-Btogether, each module 204 may include a complementary set of elements206 for such things as bi-directional reading and writing,read-while-write capability, backward compatibility, etc.

FIG. 2C shows a partial tape bearing surface view of complimentarymodules of a magnetic tape head 200 according to one embodiment. In thisembodiment, each module has a plurality of read/write (R/W) pairs in apiggyback configuration formed on a common substrate 204A and anoptional electrically insulative layer 236. The writers, exemplified bythe write head 214 and the readers, exemplified by the read head 216,are aligned parallel to a direction of travel of a tape mediumthereacross to form an R/W pair, exemplified by the R/W pair 222.

Several R/W pairs 222 may be present, such as 8, 16, 32 pairs, etc. TheR/W pairs 222 as shown are linearly aligned in a direction generallyperpendicular to a direction of tape travel thereacross. However, thepairs may also be aligned diagonally, etc. Servo readers 212 arepositioned on the outside of the array of R/W pairs, the function ofwhich is well known.

Generally, the magnetic tape medium moves in either a forward or reversedirection as indicated by arrow 220. The magnetic tape medium and headassembly 200 operate in a transducing relationship in the mannerwell-known in the art. The piggybacked MR head assembly 200 includes twothin-film modules 224 and 226 of generally identical construction.

Modules 224 and 226 are joined together with a space present betweenclosures 204B thereof (partially shown) to form a single physical unitto provide read-while-write capability by activating the writer of theleading module and reader of the trailing module aligned with the writerof the leading module parallel to the direction of tape travel relativethereto. When a module 224, 226 of a piggyback head 200 is constructed,layers are formed in the gap 218 created above an electricallyconductive substrate 204A (partially shown), e.g., of AlTiC, ingenerally the following order for the R/W pairs 222: an insulating layer236, a first shield 232 typically of an iron alloy such as NiFe(permalloy), CZT or Al—Fe—Si (Sendust), a sensor 234 for sensing a datatrack on a magnetic medium, a second shield 238 typically of anickel-iron alloy (e.g., 80/20 Permalloy), first and second writer poletips 228, 230, and a coil (not shown).

The first and second writer poles 228, 230 may be fabricated from highmagnetic moment materials such as 45/55 NiFe. Magnetoresistive (MR)sensors, such as AMR, GMR and TMR are multi-layer metals, which include,among other metals and alloys: NiFe alloys, Cu, Ru, Co, CoFe alloys,PtMn alloys, IrMn alloys, as well as others. Note that these materialsare provided by way of example only, and other materials may be used.Additional layers such as insulation between the shields and/or poletips and an insulation layer surrounding the sensor may be present.Illustrative materials for the insulation include alumina and otheroxides, insulative polymers, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a method 300 for protecting a magnetic headaccording to one embodiment is described. As an option, the presentmethod 300 may be implemented in the context of the functionality andarchitecture of FIGS. 1-2C. Of course, however, the method 300 may becarried out in any desired environment. It should also be noted that theaforementioned definitions may apply during the present description.

In operation 302, an organic coating is applied to a magnetic head forreducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials, such aswater, oxygen, chlorine, bromine, sulfur, sulfides, dihydrogen sulfide,sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other corrosive contaminants.

The coating may be formed of virtually any protective material.Illustrative materials of which the coating may be comprised includesqualane, butyl stearate, paraffins, polyvinyl chlorides,polyfluorinated films, polyvinylidene fluorides, fatty acid esters,polyurethanes, etc.

In another embodiment, the coating may comprise a tape lubricant, whichmay be applied separately or come from a portion of the tape such as theleading portion, trailing portion, or middle portion of the tape. Insuch an embodiment, the amount of tape lubricant present on the portionof the tape is preferably in excess of what is present on the otherportion(s) of the tape so as to apply an amount effective to minimize orprevent corrosion.

As alluded to above, the coating may be applied to the magnetic head bya tape. In one approach, the tape may have a portion that is designed toapply the coating as it is run over the head, preferably while the tapeis engaged with the head in a tape drive system, feeding the tape from atape supply cartridge, possibly shown as tape supply cartridge 120 inFIG. 1. This tape may be designed to be used with standard tape drivesystems, and may be loaded on a standard size tape supply cartridge.

In another approach, the tape that applies the coating to the magnetichead may include an applicator portion and a data portion. FIG. 7A showsone possible tape with applicator portion approach according to oneembodiment. In this embodiment, the tape 710 has a data portion 708 andmay be used as a normal data tape, but also may apply the protectivecoating prior to, after, or in between normal operations as a data tape.Also, the coating may be applied on a routine basis using the applicatorportion 704, such as after a preset head running time, after a tape headtraverse distance is reached (the total distance that the tape 710 hastraveled over the head in both directions), etc. In addition, theapplicator portion 704 may comprise less magnetic portion of the tape710 relative to the data portion 708.

In another approach, the coating is applied to the magnetic head, andafter a period of inactivity. Prior to using the magnetic head, thecoating is preferably removed. Removal of the coating prior to use ontape, though may not be necessary, as the tape may rub the coating offand the additional magnetic spacing between the sensor and the magneticcoating of the tape may be low enough as to not substantially degradethe performance of the head. This can be useful, for example, if themagnetic head will be stored, shipped, or subject to conditions thatmight include oxidization promoting or corrosive materials, such aswater, oxygen, chorine, and other contaminants, etc. Prior to use, thecoating may be removed by a cleaning portion on a tape which is adaptedto remove the coating. By “removed” what is meant is that a significantportion of the coating is detached from the head, such as at least 10%,at least 25%, at least 50%, etc. Further, the coating may be completelyremoved. Once the coating is removed, the head may be used to read andwrite magnetic data to the tape. After operation of the magnetic head issuspended, another coating may be applied by running a tape across thehead, the tape including an applicator portion. Alternatively, otherapproaches for applying the coating may be used.

In yet another approach, the tape includes a cleaning portion and a dataportion. FIG. 7B shows one possible tape with cleaning portion approachaccording to one embodiment. The cleaning portion 706 may comprise lessmagnetic material than the data portion 708. The cleaning portion 706may be on the leading portion of the tape 710, as shown in FIG. 7B, orit may be on the back portion of the tape 710, so that the tape 710 mustbe unwound from the tape supply cartridge 702 before the cleaningportion 706 is reached. The cleaning portion 706 may also be includedsomewhere in the middle of the tape 710, or in several locations in themiddle of the tape 710. The cleaning portion 706 may also be located insome or all of these locations on the same tape 710.

In another approach, the magnetic tape 710 may comprise a cleaningportion 706 for removing a coating from a head, an applicator portion704 for applying a coating to a head, and a data portion 708, as shownin FIG. 7C.

Another approach may use an applicator to apply the coating, such as abrush, stamp pad, web, nonwoven material, dropper, injector, etc. Theapplicator may be comprised of any suitable material. Illustrativematerials include fabric, impregnated rubber, foam, etc.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, the applicator 808 may bepresent in a drive or magnetic storage system 800 in which the magnetichead 802 resides. Also, the applicator may rub across the magnetic head.

In another embodiment, the applicator which is present in a drive inwhich the magnetic head resides presses against the magnetic headwithout substantial wiping. For example, the applicator stamps themagnetic head with a minimum amount of wiping, e.g., wipes less than ½the width of the tape bearing surface measured perpendicular to thedirection of media travel thereacross.

In operation 304, the magnetic head is stored. The head may be storedfor many reasons such as prior to assembly in a tape drive system, afterassembly and before shipment, after shipment but before use, etc. Thecoating may also be applied to the magnetic head during building orduring packaging (e.g., for shipping, storage, or sale), or during bothbuilding and packaging of a drive in which the magnetic head resides toprotect the head from corrosion promoting materials.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for protecting a magnetic head of amagnetic storage system according to another embodiment. As an option,the present method 400 may be implemented in the context of thefunctionality and architecture of FIGS. 1-3. Of course, however, themethod 400 may be carried out in any desired environment. It should alsobe noted that the aforementioned definitions may apply during thepresent description.

In operation 402, a magnetic head is installed in a magnetic storagesystem. FIG. 8A is an exemplary drawing of a magnetic storage system 800which has a magnetic head 802 already installed.

In operation 404, an organic coating is applied to a magnetic head forreducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials such aswater, oxygen, contaminants, etc.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the coating may be comprisedof a material selected from a group consisting of squalane, butylstearate, a paraffin, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyfluorinated film, apolyvinylidene fluoride, a fatty acid ester, and a polyurethane.

In another embodiment, the coating may comprise a tape lubricant, whichmay be applied separately or come from a portion of a tape such as theleading portion, trailing portion, or middle portion of the tape.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 according to another embodiment. As anoption, the present method 500 may be implemented in the context of thefunctionality and architecture of FIGS. 1-4. Of course, however, themethod 500 may be carried out in any desired environment. It should alsobe noted that the aforementioned definitions may apply during thepresent description.

In operation 502, a tape is fabricated having an applicator portion forapplying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure ofthe head to oxidation promoting materials such as water, oxygen,contaminants, etc.

In operation 504, the organic coating is applied to the applicatorportion of the tape. This organic coating is then capable of beingapplied to a head to protect the head from oxidation promotingmaterials.

In operation 506, a lubricant is applied to a data portion of the tape.This lubricant can enable the data portion of the tape to run moresmoothly over a head.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the coating may be comprisedof a material selected from a group consisting of squalane, butylstearate, a paraffin, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyfluorinated film, apolyvinylidene fluoride, a fatty acid ester, and a polyurethane.

In another approach, the tape may include at least one of a dataportion, an applicator portion, and a cleaning portion.

In another embodiment, the lubricant has a different composition thanthe coating.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 according to another embodiment. As anoption, the present method 600 may be implemented in the context of thefunctionality and architecture of FIGS. 1-5. Of course, however, themethod 600 may be carried out in any desired environment. It should alsobe noted that the aforementioned definitions may apply during thepresent description.

In operation 602, a tape is fabricated having a data portion and acleaning portion for removing an organic coating from a magnetic head.FIG. 7B shows one embodiment of a tape fabricated according to themethod 600.

In one embodiment, the tape is a data tape which has an extended leaderportion that can rub the coating off the head prior to using the tape asa data tape.

In another embodiment, the tape is a special tape with a leaderspecially designed to remove the coating from the head when the tape isloaded onto the tape drive system. In this embodiment, the tape may thenhave an applicator portion which can reapply the coating to the headwhen the tape is unloaded from the tape drive system. A tape may haveboth a cleaning leader portion and an applicator portion to remove thecoating from a head when loaded, and reapply the coating to a head whenunloaded.

FIG. 7A shows a tape 710 having an applicator portion 704 for applying acoating to a magnetic head for protecting the head from corrosionpromoting materials such as water, oxygen, contaminants, etc., accordingto one embodiment. The tape 710 is housed on a tape supply cartridge 702and may include a data portion 708 in addition to the applicator portion704. Although the applicator portion 704 is shown on the leading portionof the tape 710, it may be present at other locations such as in themiddle of the tape 710, at the end of the tape 710, in the middle of thetape 710, or at multiple locations on the same tape 710.

FIG. 7B shows a tape 710 having a cleaning portion 706 for removing acoating from a magnetic head according to one embodiment. The tape 710is housed on a tape supply cartridge 702 and may include a data portion708 in addition to the cleaning portion 706. Although the cleaningportion 706 is shown on the leading portion of the tape 710, it may bepresent at other locations such as in the middle of the tape 710, at theend of the tape 710, in the middle of the tape 710, or at multiplelocations on the same tape 710.

FIG. 7C shows a tape 710 having an applicator portion 704 and a cleaningportion 706 according to one embodiment. The tape 710 is housed on atape supply cartridge 702 and may include a data portion 708 in additionto the applicator portion 704 and cleaning portion 706. Although theapplicator portion 704 and cleaning portion 706 are shown on the leadingportion of the tape 710, they may be present at other locations such asin the middle of the tape 710, at the end of the tape 710, in the middleof the tape 710, or at multiple locations on the same tape 710. Theportions may also be separated, and do not necessarily appear on thetape 710 in the order shown in FIG. 7C (for example, the applicatorportion 704 may be located closer to the leading edge of the tape 710than the cleaning portion 706).

FIG. 8A is an exemplary diagram of a tape drive system 800. As shown,the system includes a tape head 802, and a guide mechanism 804 forpassing a magnetic recording tape 806 over the head. The system 800 isin read and/or write mode in this diagram. During normal operation, thetape 806 is guided from one reel 814, across the head 802 by the guidemechanism 804, and to a second reel 816. The guide mechanism 804 mayinclude guides 812 such as rotational guides (e.g., rollers),nonrotational guides, etc. on one or more sides of the head 802. Asshown, the guide mechanism 804 includes four rollers. It should be notedthat any type of guide mechanism known in the art can be used in variouspermutations.

In one example, the guide mechanism 804 includes at least one guide 812that moves away from the head 802 to create the relative spacing betweenthe tape 806 and the head 802 as indicated by the arrows.

FIG. 8B illustrates one embodiment of a system that may use one of themethods. During an applying operation, while the tape 806 is adjacentthe head 802, a relative spacing between the tape 806 and the head 802is created before the applicator 808 applies the coating to the head802. Such a relative spacing is shown in FIG. 8B, and an illustrativeposition of the applicator 808 when inserted into the spacing.

Preferably, the applicator 808 does not contact the tape 806 duringcoating application to the head 802, though contact might occur in someembodiments. Non-contact embodiments are preferred so as to avoid anyapplicator-induced damage to the tape 806 that could otherwise occur.The tape surface is susceptible to scratching damage, and so the tapehead 802 is fabricated with smooth surfaces, and generally no abruptdiscontinuities that might scratch the tape 806. It follows that anobject (not part of the guide mechanism) engaging the tape 806 shouldalso be at least as smooth as the head 802. In addition, there is lesschance of debris being transferred from the applicator 808 to the tape806 if there is no contact therewith.

FIGS. 9A-9C are charts displaying results of experiments conducted on16-channel heads with and without coatings in different atmosphericconditions. Temperature effects on the resistance of the readers was notaccounted for in the measurements.

FIG. 9A is a chart of an uncoated 16-channel GMR head in a staticchamber at about 20° C. and about 80% relative humidity (RH) with about2.5 parts per million (ppm) Hydrogen Chloride (HCl). The resistances of14 of the 16 readers are measured at consistent time intervals after abaseline is established by letting the resistance normalize after a fewhours in the chamber at 80% RH. Then, the air atmosphere in the chamberis altered so that it becomes about 2.5 ppm HCl. The change inresistance (in %) is on the y-axis versus the time elapsed in thechamber (in hours) on the x-axis. The change in resistance is determinedby dividing the current resistance measured by the baseline resistancemeasured after normalization. The legend on the right of the chartindicates the reader number for each of the readers tested (all readerson this 16-channel head were tested except for R25 and R27). As thischart shows, when exposed to a corrosive environment, the resistances ofthe readers change drastically and unpredictably. This indicates thatthe head experienced corrosion due to exposure to the corrosiveenvironment.

FIG. 9B is a chart of a 16-channel GMR head coated with squalane in astatic chamber at about 20° C. and about 80% RH with about 2.5 ppm HCl.The resistances of 13 of the 16 readers are measured at consistent timeintervals after a baseline is established by letting the resistancenormalize after a few hours in the chamber at 80% RH. Then, theatmosphere in the chamber is altered so that it becomes about 2.5 ppmHCl. The change in resistance (in %) is on the y-axis versus the timeelapsed in the chamber (in hours) on the x-axis. According to the legendon the right of the chart, all readers on this 16-channel head weretested except for R26, R10 and R08. As this chart shows, when exposed toa corrosive environment, the readers coated with squalane experiencedvery little resistance change over the 60 hours of exposure to thecorrosive environment. This indicates that the head experienced littleor no corrosion over the testing period. When removed from the testingchamber, no corrosion was observed.

In FIG. 9C, the environment was made even more corrosive by increasingthe concentration of HCl to about 10 ppm. Here, a 16-channel GMR headcoated with squalane was placed in a static chamber at about 21° C. andabout 40% RH with about 10 ppm HCl. The resistances of 14 of the 16readers are measured at consistent time intervals after a baseline wasestablished by letting the resistance normalize after a few hours in thechamber at 40% RH. Then, the atmosphere in the chamber was altered sothat it becomes about 10 ppm HCl. The change in resistance (in %) is onthe y-axis versus the time elapsed in the chamber (in hours) on thex-axis. According to the legend on the right of the chart, all readerson this 16-channel head were tested except for R25 and R27. As thischart shows, when exposed to a more corrosive environment than in thetest shown in FIG. 9A, the readers coated with squalane experienced verylittle resistance change over the approximately 25 hours of exposure tothe more corrosive environment. This indicates that the head experiencedlittle or no corrosion over the testing period. When removed from thetesting chamber, no corrosion was observed.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising; fabricating a tape havingan applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic headfor reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials;applying the organic coating only to the applicator portion of the tape,the organic coating being for coating a tape bearing surface of themagnetic head with the organic coating upon the applicator portion beingrun over the tape bearing surface of the magnetic head; and applying alubricant having different composition than the organic coating only toa data portion of the tape.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, whereinthe organic coating being readily detachable from the tape when the tapeis run across the magnetic head.
 3. The method as recited in claim 2,wherein the tape includes a cleaning portion configured to remove acoating from the head, wherein the cleaning portion is positioned on aback portion of the tape.
 4. The method as recited in claim 2, whereinthe tape includes a cleaning portion configured to remove a coating fromthe head, wherein the cleaning portion is positioned towards alongitudinal middle of the tape.
 5. The method as recited in claim 1,wherein the applicator portion comprises less magnetic material than thedata portion.
 6. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein theapplicator portion comprises at least some magnetic material.
 7. Themethod as recited in claim 5, wherein the applicator portion has nomagnetic material.
 8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein theorganic coating comprises a material selected from the group consistingof: squalane, butyl stearate, a paraffin, a polyvinyl chloride, apolyfluorinated film, a polyvinylidene fluoride, a fatty acid ester, anda polyurethane.
 9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the tapeincludes a cleaning portion configured to remove a coating from thehead, wherein the cleaning portion is positioned closer to a leading endof the tape than the applicator portion.
 10. The method as recited inclaim 1, comprising winding the tape around a portion of a tape supplycartridge.
 11. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the tapeincludes a cleaning portion configured to remove a coating from thehead.
 12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the cleaningportion is positioned towards a longitudinal middle of the tape.
 13. Themethod as recited in claim 11, wherein several cleaning portions arelocated between ends of the tape.
 14. The method as recited in claim 11,wherein the cleaning portion is positioned on a leading portion of thetape.
 15. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the cleaningportion is positioned on a back portion of the tape.
 16. A method,comprising: fabricating a tape having an applicator portion for applyingan organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the headto oxidation promoting materials; applying the organic coating only tothe applicator portion of the tape, the organic coating being forcoating a tape bearing surface of the magnetic head with the organiccoating upon the applicator portion being run over the tape bearingsurface of the magnetic head; and applying a lubricant only to a dataportion of the tape, wherein the lubricant has a different compositionthan the organic coating, the organic coating being readily detachablefrom the tape when the tape is run across the magnetic head, wherein theapplicator portion comprises less magnetic material than the dataportion.
 17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the tapeincludes a cleaning portion configured to remove a coating from thehead, wherein the cleaning portion is positioned on a back portion ofthe tape.
 18. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the tapeincludes a cleaning portion configured to remove a coating from thehead, wherein the cleaning portion is positioned towards a longitudinalmiddle of the tape.